2.

2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems

2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 1, page 1 of 3
1. Express the 5-kN force in terms of x and y components.
y

F = 5 kN

30

1 Construct a parallelogram with the 2 Because the x and y axes are

5-kN force as the diagonal and with perpendicular, the parallelogram
sides in the x and y directions. is a special case a rectangle.
Fx
F = 5 kN
Fy y component, Fy 3 Analyze the triangle
30 forming the lower half of
the rectangle.
x component, Fx

5 kN
Fy
30

Fx
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 1, page 2 of 3
4 Calculate Fx from the definition of the cosine: 5 Similarly calculate Fy from the definition of the
sine:
A
cos = C B
C B sin =
C
so
so
A
A = C cos
B = C sin
In words,
In words ,
side adjacent (to angle) = hypotenuse
times cosine of angle. side opposite (to angle) = hypotenuse
times sine of angle.
(Memorize this you will use this relation many
times in a course in statics; you don't want to have to (Memorize this.)
think it out each time)
Applying this equation to the force triangle gives:
Applying this equation to the force triangle gives:
Fy = (5 kN) sin 30
Fx = (5 kN) cos 30
= 2.50 kN (2)
= 4.33 kN (1)
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 1, page 3 of 3
6 Thus we have resolved the 5-kN force
into x and y components.
y

F = 5 kN
Fy = 2.50 kN

30
x
Fx = 4.33 kN
y

7 In terms of base vectors, the force is j

x
F= 4.33i + 2.50j kN Ans.
i

8 The minus sign indicates that the x component

points in the negative x direction.
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 2, page 1 of 4
2. Resolve the 20-lb force into x and y components.
F = 20 lb
y

3
4 x

1 Construct a parallelogram (rectangle) 2 Analyze the triangle forming the

with the 20-lb force as the diagonal. lower half of the rectangle.
Fx
20 lb
F = 20 lb
Fy Equal angles
3 Fy
3 Fy
4 4

Fx Fx
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 2, page 2 of 4
3 Side adjacent = hypotenuse cos

or

Fx = (20 lb) cos (1)

Similarly, side opposite = hypotenuse sin

or

Fy = (20 lb) sin (2)

32 + 42 = 5

4 From the "slope triangle," we see

cos 4 (3)
5 Fy
3
sin 3
5 4
Note that we do not have to calculate ;
we already have what we need, sin and cos . Fx
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 2, page 3 of 4

5 Using Eq. 3 in Eq. 1 gives F = 20 lb

Fx = (20 lb) ( 4 ) 5
5 3 Slope triangle
= 16 lb (5) 4

Fx

6 In general, then, get the horizontal force

component by multiplying the force by
the horizontal side of the slope triangle
divided by the hypotenuse (Memorize
this result; it is used frequently).
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 2, page 4 of 4

7 Similarly, using Eq. 4 in Eq. 2 gives F = 20 lb

Fy = (20 lb) ( 3 ) 5
5 3 Fy
= 12 lb (6) 4

8 In general, get the vertical force

component by multiplying the force by
the vertical side of the slope triangle
divided by the hypotenuse (Memorize
this result).

y
F = 20 lb
9 Eqs. 5 and 6 now give the components in
terms of base vectors as 12 lb

F = {16i + 12j} lb Ans. j

x
i 16 lb
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 3, page 1 of 2
3. Express the 260-N force in terms of components
parallel and perpendicular to the inclined plane.

F = 260 N

12
5

1 Introduce an inclined x and y coordinate system. 2 Construct a parallelogram (rectangle) with the
260-N force as a diagonal.
y F = 260 N
Fx

12 Fy
12
5 Fy
5
Fx
x
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 3, page 2 of 2
3 Analyze the triangle forming the lower half
of the rectangle.
F = 260 N
2 2
5 + 12 = 13
13 Fy
5 12

Fx

4 Fx = (260 N)( 5 ) = 100 N

13

5 Fy = (260 N)( 12 ) = 240 N

13

6 Representation in terms of components:

j
F = { 100i 240j} N Ans.
i x
7 Fx points in the negative x direction, and
Fy points in the negative y direction.
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 4, page 1 of 3
4. Determine the components of the 160-N force
perpendicular and parallel to the axis of the nail.

F = 160 N
15
20

1 Introduce an inclined x and y coordinate system.

y

F = 160 N x
15
20
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 4, page 2 of 3
2 Geometry y

F = 160 N x

4 Total angle 20 15
15
= 20 + 15 3 Equal angles
= 35

y
5 Draw a parallelogram (rectangle)
with the 160-N force as a diagonal.

Fx
F= x
160
N
Fy
35
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 4, page 3 of 3
6 Analyze the triangle forming the
bottom half of the rectangle.

F=
160
N
Fy 35
Fx = (160 N) cos 35
Fy = (160 N) sin 35 = 131.1 N
= 91.8 N

x
j 15
7 In terms of base vectors, i

F = { 131.1i 91.8j} N Ans.

2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 5, page 1 of 3
5. The connecting rod AB exerts a 2-kN force on the
crankshaft at B. Resolve this force into components
acting perpendicular to BC and along BC.

F = 2 kN
20
B
30

C
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 5, page 2 of 3
1 Introduce an inclined x and y
2 Calculate angles
coordinate system.
2 kN y
3 Equal 5 Calculate the sum: 20 + 30 = 50
30
20
A
B
x
30 4 Equal
2 kN
y 20
C
20
B
30
x
C 6 Calculate components
2 kN
y

50
(2 kN) cos 50 = 1.286 kN
(2 kN) sin 50 = 1.532 kN
B
x
C
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 5, page 3 of 3
7 In terms of base vectors,

F = 1.532i 1.286j kN Ans.

30 i
x
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 6, page 1 of 3
6. Guy wire AB exerts a horizontal component of force of 0.5 kN
on the utility pole. Determine the total force from the wire acting
on the point of attachment, A. Assume that the force is directed
along the wire from A to B.

10 m

5m
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 6, page 2 of 3
1 Express the guy-wire force F in
terms of rectangular components.

2 The horizontal component of

force is known to be 0.5 kN.
A Fx = 0.5 kN y

Fy
x
10 m
F

5m
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 6, page 3 of 3
3 Relate Fx to F through geometry.

10 m
A 4 = tan-1 = 63.43
5m

Fx = 0.5 kN
10 m A
5 0.5 kN = F cos

B Fy 63.43
F
Solving gives
5m
F = 1.118 kN Ans.
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 7, page 1 of 1
7. If the vertical component of the force F
applied to the ring is 10 lb, determine the
magnitude F and also the horizontal component.

F 2 Relate F to Fy.
30
10 lb = F sin 30
F
Fy = 10 lb Therefore,
30
Fx F = 20 lb Ans.

1 Express F in terms of rectangular components.

3 Relate Fx to F.
F
Fy Fx = F cos 30
30
= (20 lb) cos 30
Fx
= 17.32 lb Ans.
y

x
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 8, page 1 of 2
8. The weight W is supported by the boom AB and
cable AC. Knowing that the horizontal and vertical
1 Calculate the angle between Fcable
components of the cable force at A are 5 kN and 3 kN
and its horizontal component.
as shown, determine the distance d.
C
C Fcable
d
Fcable 3 kN
d
3 kN 5 kN A
5 kN A

W
W
B
B

10 m
10 m
Fcable
3 kN
5 kN

3 kN
= tan-1
5 kN
= 30.96
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 8, page 2 of 2
2 Use to calculate d.

C
d
= 30.96
A
10 m

d = (10 m) tan 30.96

= 6.0 m Ans.

3 The same result could also have been

obtained by using similar triangles.
3 kN d
C =
5 kN 10 m
d Therefore,
3 kN
A d = 6.0 m (same as before)
5 kN
10 m
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 9, page 1 of 2
9. Determine the magnitude and direction of
the resultant force acting on the hook.

20 lb y 2 Calculate the x and y components of the resultant R by summing the

components of the given forces algebraically.
35
x + Rx = Fx: Rx = 16.38 lb + 96 lb = 112.38 lb
5
12
Ry = Fy: Ry = 11.47 lb 40 lb = 28.53 lb = 28.53 lb

+
104 lb
(arrow indicates negative y direction)

1 Express the forces in x and y components.

(20 lb) sin 35 = 11.47 lb

20 lb
(20 lb) cos 35 = 16.38 lb
35

5
13 (104 lb)( 12 ) = 96 lb
13
12
104 lb
(104 lb)( 5 ) = 40 lb
13
52 + 122 = 13
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 9, page 2 of 2
3 Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant R.

y 112.38 lb

28.53 lb
x R

R= (112.38 lb)2 + (28.53 lb)2

= 115.9 lb

= tan-1 28.53 lb
112.38 lb

= 14.2

14.2
Ans.

115.9 lb
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 10, page 1 of 2
10. Determine the magnitude and direction
of the resultant force acting on the beam. 1 Resolve the forces into x and y components.

(8 kN) sin 40 = 5.142 kN

15 kN
8 kN (15 kN)( 3 ) = 9 kN
5
3
40 4 8 kN
15 kN
40 5 3
4

y
11 kN (15 kN)( 4 ) = 12 kN
5
x 11 kN
(8 kN) cos 40 = 6.128 kN

2 Calculate the x and y components of the resultant by summing the

components of the given forces algebraically.
Force points left

+
Rx = Fx: Rx = 6.128 kN 12 kN = 5.872 kN = 5.872 kN

Ry = Fy: Ry = 5.142 kN 9 kN + 11 kN = 3.142 kN = 3.142 kN

+

Force points down

2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 10, page 2 of 2
3 Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant.

5.872 kN y

3.142 kN
R x

R= (5.872 kN)2 + (3.142 kN)2

= 6.66 kN
3.142 kN
= tan-1
5.872 kN
= 28.2

28.2
Ans.

6.66 kN
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 11, page 1 of 5
11. Determine the magnitude and direction
of the resultant force acting on the particle.

(5 m, 3 m)

25 N
50 N
(6 m, 2 m)

80 N

( m, 6 m)
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 11, page 2 of 5
1 We want to compute the x and y components of each
force. To do that, we first must compute some angles.

y Components y
of 80-N force.
Angle for
80-N force.
(80 N) sin 26.57 = 35.78 N
x x

80 N
(80 N) cos 26.57 = 71.55 N
6m

= 26.57
( m, 6 m)
80 N
3m

= tan-1 3 m
6m
= 26.57
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 11, page 3 of 5
2 Angle and components for 50-N force.

y
y Components
of 50-N force.
Angle for
50-N force (50 N) cos 30.96 = 42.88 N
3m x
x = 30.96
5m
50 N
50 N
= tan-1 3 m (50 N) sin 30.96 = 25.72 N
5m
= 30.96
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 11, page 4 of 5
3 Angle and components for 25-N force.

y
y
Angle for
Components
25-N force.
6m of 25-N force. (25 N) cos 18.43 = 23.72 N
x
x
2m
25 N 25 N
(6 m, 2 m) = 18.43
(25 N) sin 18.43 = 7.90 N

= tan-1 2 m
6m
= 18.43
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 11, page 5 of 5
4 Sum the components algebraically.
y

+ Rx = Fx: Rx = 35.78 N 42.88 N + 23.72 = 16.62 N

35.78 N
23.72 N
x Ry = Fy: Ry = 71.55 N 25.72 N 7.90 N = 37.93 N

+
42.88 N
7.90 N

25.72 N 5 Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant R.

71.55 N R= (37.93 N)2 + (16.62)2

R
37.93 N = 41.4 N
37.93 N
16.62 N = tan-1
16.62 N
= 66.3

41.4 N

Ans.
66.3
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 12, page 1 of 3
12. Three forces support the weight W shown. Determine
the value of F, given that the resultant of the three forces
is vertical. Also determine the value of W.
y

F 120 N
40
20 N
30
x
15
W

1 Express the forces in x and y components (For clarity, the

components of the unknown force, F, are shown separately).
y y
(120 N) sin 30 = 60 N
F
(20 N) sin 15 = 5.176 N 120 N
40 F cos 40
20 N 30
x x
15 F sin 40
W (120 N) cos 30 = 103.92 N W
(20 N) cos 15 = 19.32 N
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 12, page 2 of 3
2 Sum the components algebraically.
+
Rx = Fx: Rx = 103.92 N 19.32 N F sin 40 (1)

Ry = Fy: Ry = 60 N + 5.176 N + F cos 40 (2)

+

3 Use the fact that the resultant is known to be

vertical, so Rx = 0.
Eq. 1 becomes

Rx = 103.92 N 19.32 N F sin 40

y
0
R = Ry Solving gives
Rx = 0 F = 131.61 N Ans.
x

W 4 Substitute this value of F into Eq. 2 and compute Ry:

Ry = 60 N + 5.176 N + F cos 40 = 166.0 N

131.61 N
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 12, page 3 of 3
5 The resultant upward force must balance the weight W, so

W = Ry = 166.0 N Ans.

R = Ry = 166.0 N

W
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 13, page 1 of 2
13. The resultant, R, of the forces A and B acting on the
bracket is known to be a force of magnitude 300 lb
making an angle of 40 with the horizontal direction as
shown. Determine the magnitude of A and B.

B
300 lb (resultant, R)
70 40
x
A

1 Express the forces in x and y components.

y (300 lb) sin 40 = 192.84 lb Ry (y component of 300-lb resultant)

B sin 70

B 300 lb

(300 lb) cos 40 = 229.81 lb Rx (x component of 300-lb resultant)

70 40
x
B cos 70 A
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 13, page 2 of 2
2 Rx is the algebraic sum of x components of A and B:
+
Rx = Fx: Rx = A B cos 70 (1)

229.81 lb

3 Similarly for Ry:

Ry = Fy: Ry = B sin 70 (2)

+

192.84 lb

4 Solving Eqs. 1 and 2 simultaneously gives:

A = 300 lb Ans.

B = 205 lb Ans.
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 14, page 1 of 2
14. To support the 100-N block as shown, the resultant of
the 50-N force and the force F must be a 100-N force
directed horizontally to the right. Determine F and .
F

Pulley 60
1 Express the forces in x and y components.
50 N
y

100 N F

F sin
F cos

x
60 (50 N) cos 60 = 25 N
(50 N) sin 60 = 43.30 N

50 N
2.2 Rectangular Components in Two-Dimensional Force Systems Example 14, page 2 of 2
2 Sum the components algebraically. 3 And then substitute for F in Eq. 3:
+
Rx = Fx: Rx = F cos 25 N (1) 100 N = F cos + 25 N

Ry = Fy: Ry = F sin 43.30 N (2) 43.30 N

+

sin
Because the resultant is known to be horizontal, Substituting
Ry = 0, and the magnitude R is thus equal to the
cos 1
horizontal component Rx alone, that is, R = Rx. =
sin tan
We also know, however, that the magnitude of
the resultant is 100 N, so R = Rx = 100 N. Thus gives
Eqs. 1 and 2 become
43.30 N
100 N = + 25 N
tan
100 N = F cos + 25 N (3)
and solving gives
0 = F sin 43.30 N (4)
= 30.0
The best way to solve these equations is to use a
calculator that can solve two simultaneous Using the result in Eq. 5 gives
nonlinear equations. Alternatively, solve Eq. 4
43.30 N
for F: F= = 86.6 N
sin
43.30 N
F= (5)
sin 86.6 N

30 Ans.